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Day 25: Anger, violence and the quarreller – part 2

A quarreller is someone who is prickly, difficult to get on with, judgmental and always thinking that he is right. He doesn’t know how to back down from a disagreement. At heart, the quarreller does not trust in the Lord and His promises. The Israelites quarrelled with Moses and put the LORD to the test in the desert (Ex. 17:2). In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul says, “I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

Being slow to anger calms an angry situation (Prov. 15:18) and the person who is slow to anger is worthy of more respect than the mighty (Prov. 16:29). History of full of men who accomplished great things, but who could not control their own spirits (Prov. 16:32). A gentle spirit is more valuable than strength. Quarrels can develop quickly and like the breaking of a dam wall, they are difficult to hold back once released (Prov. 17:14). Watch out that during a quarrel we don’t lose perspective. When we are offended, it is easy to become hardened and unyielding (Prov. 18:19). There are situations where choosing a lot may be the best way to decide a dispute (Prov. 18:18). May the Lord soften us when we are easily offended and give us gentle spirits.

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.

– Prov. 15:17

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.

– Prov. 15:18

A man of violence entices his neighbour and leads him in a way that is not good.

– Prov. 16:29

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

– Prov. 16:32

The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

– Prov. 17:14

The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

– Prov. 18:18

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarrelling is like the bars of a castle.

– Prov. 18:19

Father God, forgive us for being quarrelsome and difficult to get on with. We are also to seek the forgiveness of those that we have offended. Give us to reign over our spirits, just as You are slow to anger.

Christ Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” God, You are the great peacemaker and we pray to follow Your ways.

Let us now resolve to live out who we are as Your children. We thank You for our Lord who is the Prince of Peace and we pray in His Name,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes